S.A.F.E. SUMMER CHAMPION: CONNECTICUT CITIZENS DEFENSE LEAGUE

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has recognized Connecticut Citizens Defense League (CCDL) as the “Local Champion” for its efforts to promote firearm safety in the region. The recognition comes as NSSF launches its fourth annual Project ChildSafe S.A.F.E. Summer campaign to emphasize the importance of responsible firearm storage – particularly while children are home from school and more likely to be unattended.

Connecticut Citizens Defense League was selected for its work to educate the community on the importance of properly storing firearms to ensure safety.

“Having been a victim of an accidental shooting when I was a kid myself, due in part to an improperly stored firearm, I understand very well the value and importance of firearm safety and education,” says CCDL President Scott Wilson Sr.

S.A.F.E. Summer is an extension of NSSF’s Project ChildSafe campaign. Consistent with Project ChildSafe’s overarching message of “Own It? Respect It. Secure It,” the S.A.F.E. Summer effort is a reminder that proper firearm storage is the #1 way to help prevent firearm accidents, theft and misuse.

“S.A.F.E.” serves as an acronym for Store your firearms responsibly when not in use; Always practice firearm safety; Focus on your responsibilities as a firearm owner; and Education is key to preventing accidents. The effort is focused on providing resources to help gun owners take actions and share information that will help keep their families and communities safer.

“We believe that it is our responsibility as gun owners to for solutions to any potential risks, and avoid them as much as we can,” Wilson said. “Project ChildSafe offers those solutions. The Executive Committee of CCDL took note of what the National Shooting Sports Foundation and Project ChildSafe was doing, and we wanted to be a part of that effort.”

“We’re very grateful for the work of organizations like Connecticut Citizens Defense League,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “They are great examples of how the firearms-owning community is committed to safety and personal responsibility, and their work is instrumental in helping to reduce firearm accidents.”

NSSF launched Project ChildSafe in 1999 (prior to 2003 the program was called Project HomeSafe) as a nationwide initiative to promote firearms responsibility and provide safety education to all gun owners. While children are a focus, Project ChildSafe is intended to help young people and adults practice greater firearm safety as well. Through partnerships with more than 15,000 law enforcement agencies, the program has provided more than 37 million free firearm safety kits to gun owners in all 50 states and the five U.S. territories. That’s in addition to the more than 70 million free locking devices manufacturers have included with new firearms sold since 1998 and continue to do today.